Ellen Pompeo Stayed on Grey’s Anatomy Because of Her Age: “I Knew My Clock Was Ticking in Hollywood”

Ellen Pompeo has no regrets about remaining on her long-running hit drama Grey’s Anatomy, but her love for the show isn’t the reason she decided to renew her contract for a 13th season. “My decision to stay on Grey’s was based solely on age,” she told People. “At 33, I was wise enough to know my clock was already ticking in Hollywood.”

While many major players have left the cast through the years, Pompeo has stayed, saying she “was definitely aware of how challenging it would be to find other roles in my late 30s and early 40s.”

Richard Cartwright/ABC

“I thought, ‘Why would I leave something that is super successful and pays me great to search the landscape?’ I decided that I would stay on Grey’s and be grateful and try to ride it out for as long as I could. And I am very happy that I made the decision to stay. It’s only gotten better with time."

There is one thing she dislikes about the gig: “Watching myself age on TV is miserable. To be honest, it’s the toughest part of my job.”